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T O P I C R E V I E W

Dave Shayler

It is with great sorrow that I have to inform all readers on the passing of Andrew Salmon last Thursday (June 6) after a long illness, aged just 54.

Andy was a great friend and colleague who cooperated on a number of ventures with Astro Info Service (AIS) and was co-author of "Marswalk One: First Steps on a New Planet" (Springer-Verlag) in 2005. He also worked on the British Interplanetary Society (BIS) publications on Mir and ISS and was the driving force in creating the Midland Space Society in the late 1980s.

Andy was passionate about space and enthusiastic in his presentations and writing. He was a fantastic source of information regarding the science angle on any mission and was always at the forefront in promoting space to the general public and encouraging the younger generation to take up astronomy and science.

I first met Andy in May 1985, at a presentation by astronaut Jeff Hoffman in Birmingham, just one month after his flight on STS-51D. As Andy lived only a couple of miles from me, we shared many an hour over the next three decades sharing our research findings and mutual interest in space exploration.

Compiler and publisher of the informative Astronautics News newsletter he was eager to create a space enthusiast's group in the midland region of the UK. As a result both of us together with Dave Evetts, Mike Bryce, Rob Wood, George Spiteri and others created the Midland Space Society and its publication 'Capcom'. Despite his illness Andy remained committed to the MSS as long as he was able.

In 1991 we shared an eventful and rewarding research trip to NASA JSC in Houston, and often reflected on our adventures during that time. Andy was a true space sleuth in researching aspects of the Soviet and Russian space programmes and often contributed to the BIS Spaceflight magazine and other publications. He was also the science correspondent for the AIS publications ZENIT and ORBITER between 1985 and 1992 and was a great source of information for many of my subsequent writing projects.

It is with heavy heart that once again I record the loss of great friend and colleague at such a young age. Fare well Andy rest in peace and thank you, you will be greatly missed ...and say 'Hi' to Neville and Rex for me.

Having recently experienced my own close call, Andy and his family are in my prayers. He was too young to leave so soon. May his contribution to our shared passion be enjoyed for years.

God Bless.

dom

Although I didn't get to meet him personally at any of the BIS meetings (as far as I'm aware?) I did read his stuff, so his passing is another blow to the 'space sleuthing' community.

Godspeed Andy.

East-Frisian

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Gilbert

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randy

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David Carey

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ColinBurgess

David, so sorry to hear of Andy's passing at such a young age. We have lost altogether too many space writers these past two or three years - particularly many that you knew personally - and we mourn them all. My sincere condolences to you and to Andy's friends and family.

apolloprojeckt

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mode1charlie

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NavySpaceFan

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GoforEVA

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jasonelam

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dogcrew5369

Such a young age. RIP.

Neil DC

I am very sad to read this news. Andy was a really great guy who was eager to share his knowledge of human space flight; especially the scientific experiments, through his writings and presentations. I was lucky enough to get to know Andy through the BIS Soviet/Russian Space Forum in the late eighties and nineties.

When I moved State side I kept in touch with him and was sad to learn that he had become ill. Despite this he had a tremendous will to complete some things on his bucket list before he could not travel anymore. Back in about 2004/5 he flew over to NYC on Concord. We met up for dinner, even though he was on crutches. It was great to see him, but ultimately sad to see another talented space sleuth go ahead of their time. God bless you Andy.

dss65

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uk spacefan

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Tykeanaut

I met Andy a couple of times but did not know him well. However, it was one of his space lectures at the Worcester Astronomical Society that proved the catalyst for me joining the Midlands Spaceflight Society about ten years ago.

I'm sure he will be sadly missed by many.

God bless.

Kite

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spaceman

Andy was given a wonderful send off on Friday by family and friends. Long may he be remembered by all. He lived life fully until MS set in, even then he wouldn't let it get him down.

I will remember him best for the time he freely gave for two years with our U.K. Young Astronaut club in Walsall and with our regular newsletter with the 'Ask Andy?' feature.

Above - the U.K Young Astronaut float in the Pelsall Carnival (Andy, black shirt standing on the right) happy days. Note the large rocket to the left of the picture borrowed (with permission) from someone's front garden.

All of the children on the float were either young astronauts, space suited astronauts, robots or aliens.